Do you remember the “dreaded” Milwaukee Brace? How about the girl in school who had scoliosis surgery and sat on the sidelines for the rest of the year? Although scoliosis still is common, treatment has come a long way.

Scoliosis is simply defined as a side-to-side curve of the spine that is more than 10 degrees. Someone with scoliosis may have a back that curves like an “s” or a “c.” It is more common in girls than boys, and scoliosis can run in families.

Scoliosis is diagnosed with a simple test. It involves bending over and reaching the fingertips toward the feet or the floor. A doctor or nurse looks at a child’s back to see if her or his spine curves.

Sometimes scoliosis will be easily noticeable. A curved spine can cause a child’s body to tilt to the left or right. Many children with scoliosis have one shoulder blade that’s higher than the other or an uneven waist with a tendency to lean to one side. Small curves often don't cause problems, but larger curves can cause discomfort.

The vast majority of children with scoliosis need only observation or bracing. Braces now are much less noticeable and custom made to fit underneath clothing. In some cases, a child may need to wear a brace only at night. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin also offers support groups for children with scoliosis, so kids realize they’re not alone.

Scoliosis surgery is a last resort. It only is necessary if a curve becomes greater than 50 degrees when a child is still growing. At Children’s Hospital, we have expertise in the latest techniques. Children now get back to school and activities just weeks after surgery with very limited restrictions.

Scoliosis may seem like a curvy road, but the experts at Children’s Hospital can help you and your family straighten it out.

J. Channing Tassone, MD, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in the Orthopedic Center at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and an assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Tassone also sees patients at the new Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-Greenway located west of I-894 and one block south of Oklahoma Avenue.


FAST FACT: Scoliosis is not painful, and early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

 

Concussions in young athletes are common and often misunderstood. Many children sustain concussions but do not report them to parents or coaches for fear of being sidelined from activities. When kids get concussions, medical follow up is crucial before they return to normal activities.

What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that generally is caused by a direct blow to the head or face, such as a sports injury or bad fall from a bike.

Symptoms of a concussion
Parents should be aware of the signs that a child may have suffered a concussion:
Mental:  Headache, confusion, feeling mentally foggy, seeing stars or flashing lights, impaired consciousness, poor concentration and attention.
Physical:  Vacant or glassy-eyed stare, double or blurry vision, poor balance and coordination, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, incoherent speech, ringing in ears.
Behavioral: Inappropriate play on the field (running the wrong way), mood swings, trouble sleeping, irritability, changes in personality, nervousness or sadness, impaired academic performance.
Depending on the severity, concussion symptoms may last anywhere from a 10 to 15 minutes to several months.

Treating a concussion
A medical professional should always see a child with a concussion. A child can have a normal CT scan and still have a concussion. Parents need to know what to expect and when a child needs follow up care—especially if he or she continues to have symptoms. Only a medical professional can offer guidance to help parents know when it’s safe for a child to return to regular activities. Returning your child to a normal routine too soon, even if he or she has a mild concussion, can prolong symptoms, potentially causing brain damage or more severe problems. Never allow an athlete to practice or play in a game if he or she has sustained a concussion.

If symptoms worsen, call a physician or go to the emergency room.

Preventing concussions
Approximately 300,000 children suffer sports-related concussions annually. Concussions can’t be prevented, but you can decrease the risk by teaching proper technique and wearing protective equipment, including:
•    Helmets, other headgear and mouth guards.
•    Ensuring equipment is properly fitted.
•    Enforce rules and adopt less dangerous styles of play. A good example is a ban on body checking in hockey for players age 15 and younger.

Each concussion brings greater risk for more serious injuries, including additional symptoms and/or longer recovery periods. Be sure your children have the proper safety equipment for their activities and never be afraid to seek the expertise of a medical professional.


Kevin Walter, MD, is a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and an assistant professor of Orthopedics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He also sees patients at the new Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-Greenway located west of 894 and one block south of Oklahoma Ave. Dr. Walter is one of fewer than 120 pediatricians in the country who are board certified in pediatrics and sports medicine.


FAST FACT: Never send young athletes with a concussion or symptoms of a concussion back into a game or practice. When in doubt, keep them out.